[Script Info]
Title: 
[Events]
Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text
Dialogue: 0,0:00:00.89,0:00:01.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Amazing.”\N“My god, look at that.”
Dialogue: 0,0:00:03.73,0:00:05.74,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Good night nurse!”
Dialogue: 0,0:00:05.98,0:00:08.50,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Ooh! That’s definitely stimulating my economy.”
Dialogue: 0,0:00:28.61,0:00:30.82,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In the late 90s, developer Rare wanted to replicate
Dialogue: 0,0:00:30.82,0:00:33.26,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the success of their landmark 1997 shooter GoldenEye,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:33.26,0:00:35.51,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but didn’t want to make another James Bond game.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:07.95,0:00:08.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Instead, they began work on a science fiction spy thriller
Dialogue: 0,0:00:37.74,0:00:38.14,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,called Perfect Dark.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For the game’s star,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they wanted to create a striking new type of special agent
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who wouldn’t just live in James Bond’s shadow,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so they drew inspiration from figures
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,ranging from Joan of Arc to The X-Files’ Dana Scully.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Her name was Joanna Dark.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,A few years earlier, Eidos Interactive’s Lara Croft
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,had rapidly become one of the most famous
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and recognizable game characters of all time,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so it was reasonable to think that an action game
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with a female protagonist could be a smash hit.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Alas, Joanna Dark never reached quite the levels
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of fame occupied by Lara Croft,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but Perfect Dark was still a big success.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Let’s take a look at a commercial for the game:\N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"Welcome to 2023.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Big businesses now merge with alien nations.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,An ancient war is being fought under the sea.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The president is about to be cloned
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And it’s your job to try and save the world.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So you’ve got an important decision to make:
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,What are you going to wear to work?
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,From the team you brought you GoldenEye for N64,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,meet special agent Joanna Dark in Perfect Dark,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where you’ll find out that the only person man enough
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to handle a job like this
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is a woman.”\N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Can you imagine an ad exactly like this,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,only with Marcus Fenix or Master Chief,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,getting out of bed naked,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,taking a sexy slow-motion shower,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,putting on his sexy underwear,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the narrator saying
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that he has an important decision to make:
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,what is he going to wear to work? \N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"Welcome to 2016.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,There’s a war out there...somewhere.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You’re not sure where, exactly.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Anyway, the important thing is,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you’re Special Agent Jake Grimshadow.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It’s your job to save the world.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The only question is: What are you going to wear?
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,…. WAIT... WHAT??
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,A commercial like that would never happen,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,nor should it.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But Joanna is treated differently
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,than her male counterparts.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Even though Perfect Dark is a first-person shooter
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and, as a result, you rarely see her in the game itself,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by focusing on her getting dressed,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,this ad encouraged players to think of Joanna’s appeal
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as being rooted in her sexual desirability
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,rather than her skill as a special agent. \N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,A character’s clothing is one of the first things we notice.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It’s an important part of our first impression
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of who that character is, and as such,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it’s a way for designers
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to immediately communicate to players
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,what is most important and noteworthy about them. \N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Female heroes in video games might be special agents
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or soldiers or treasure hunters by trade.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They often find themselves in dangerous,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,physically demanding situations,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,fighting off bad guys and saving the world.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They are typically performing activities that call for
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,practical or protective clothing.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But when we look at the types of outfits
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that female characters are made to wear,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we can see that they are often
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,both sexualized and completely absurd. \N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Ivy from the Soulcalibur games is a bold warrior
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who finds herself in battles
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,where sharp, deadly weapons are being used
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and protective armor would be a must,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but the clothing she wears--or lack thereof-
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,-is not exactly intended to keep her safe.\N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Cammy from the Street Fighter series
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is a British special forces operative
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,whose thong leotard does a better job
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of calling attention to her butt
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,than of offering any kind of protection. \N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Jessica Sherawat from Resident Evil: Revelations
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is a member of the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and regularly faces deadly infected mutants in combat,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but her outfits appear to be designed for...
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,yeah, I don’t even know.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And this is just a small fraction of the vast number
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of female characters who are forced into
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,impractical and objectifying clothing while in dangerous situations.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“You’ll learn respect!”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“You’re a fool to come back here.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“All right, let’s begin!
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“And instead of donning a shirt plate,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you dash into battle, shirt open, navel and…
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,whatnot exposed!”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Because clothing can shape our first impressions of a character
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and has a tremendous influence
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,on our sense of who they are
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,every time they are on screen,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,sexualized outfits can contribute to what’s called
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the hyper-sexualization of female characters.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Hyper-sexualization in the media occurs
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when a character is designed to be valued primarily
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for their sexual characteristics or behaviors.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In hypersexualized characters, these attributes
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,are highlighted above all else
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and made the center of attention,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,while everything else about the character is made secondary. \N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Games and other media often work
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to frame this sexualization as a positive thing for women.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They blur the distinction between female sexualization
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and female power, and as a result,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,sexualized female characters are sometimes celebrated
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for being perceived as “owning” their sexuality
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in a way that is empowering.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But it isn’t actually empowering
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because the sexuality these characters exude
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is manufactured for, and presented as existing for,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the presumed straight male player.\N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Bayonetta is a quintessential example of such a character.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When the camera caresses her body
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as it does in the opening scene of Bayonetta 2,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,establishing the player’s relationship with the character,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,she is frozen in time,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the passive object of the male gaze.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The camera is putting her and Jeanne
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,on display for the player,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,breaking them down into what the game
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is communicating is most important about them:
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,their sexualized parts.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And when Bayonetta starts moving,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it’s the player who has the power
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to control her sexuality as a weapon throughout the game,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,both literally and figuratively.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She has an assortment of special moves
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,called “torture attacks” which involve devices
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,meant to suggest BDSM and that look like something
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you might expect to see
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in an exaggerated stereotype of a sex dungeon.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But these sexualized moves
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,have nothing to do with sex:
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they just obliterate her enemies.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And a number of her attacks literally leave her naked,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because, you see, she’s attacking the enemies
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with her hair and her hair is also her clothing
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so when she’s using her hair to attack her enemies
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it can’t be covering her body and…
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In these ways, the game deliberately links
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Bayonetta’s sexuality to power,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,selling a version of sexual objectification
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that we’re all supposed to feel good about
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and find “empowering.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Every aspect of Bayonetta’s existence,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,from the way the camera is magnetically drawn
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to her sexualized body parts
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to the pole dance reward for completing the game,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is expertly designed to be sexually affirming
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and satisfying for a presumed straight male audience.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If it seems like I’m frequently repeating the fact
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that the player is presumed to be a straight male,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that’s because it’s vital to remember.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This presumption influences and shapes
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so many creative decisions that are made
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in the development of many games.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Let’s see, target market - mostly male,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,18-24 years old, interests - senseless violence,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,high tech weaponry, pain, humiliation…
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,hey! Maybe this’ll do the trick.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In fact, this connection between objectification
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and empowerment is extremely damaging.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It’s harmful to women because rather than
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,asserting that women have intrinsic value as people,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it communicates that the kind of power available
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to women comes from men finding them desirable.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And it’s damaging to men because it suggests
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that women who are liberated and empowered
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,are also women whose sexuality is always available to men.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When we conflate the sexualization of women
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with power for women,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we internalize this harmful myth
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and begin to think sexualization is the only way
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to achieve gender equality.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But the truth is that sexualization doesn’t actually
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,bring us any closer to equality.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In her book Enlightened Sexism,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Susan J. Douglas sums up the issue.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,”Under the guise of escapism and pleasure,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we are getting images of imagined power that mask,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and even erase, how much still remains to be done
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for girls and women,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,images that make sexism seem fine, even fun,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and insist that feminism is now utterly pointless--
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,even bad for you.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,True power here has nothing to do with
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,economic independence or professional achievement:
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it has to do with getting men to lust after you
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and other women to envy you.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Some gaming fans have come up with all sorts of
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,ridiculous defenses for the sexualized costumes
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,female characters are often made to wear,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,like the idea that they dress in these outfits as a tactic
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to help them distract their male opponents.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It’s not unheard of for developers
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to sometimes rely on this harmful logic, too.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The superintelligent AI companion Cortana
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,from the Halo franchise
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,has always been depicted as naked,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and when asked about why this is,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,franchise director Frank O’Connor said,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,"One of the reasons she does it is to attract and demand attention.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And she does it to put people off so they’re on their guard
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when they’re talking to her
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and that she has the upper hand in those conversations.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It’s kind of almost like the opposite of that nightmare
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you have where you go to school in the nude,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and you’re terrified and embarrassed.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She’s kind of projecting that back out to her audience
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and winning intellectual points as a result." \N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,\NMeanwhile, male AIs in the Halo universe do wear clothing;
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the idea of them trying to “win intellectual points”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by walking around naked is ridiculous.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But we rarely question
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the extremely widespread association
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of sexualization and power\N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when it’s applied to female characters.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Usually, the games themselves don’t go into much detail
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to explain or justify why
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,female characters are sexualized.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Players are simply meant to unquestioningly accept
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the impractical outfits these characters are wearing.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Sometimes, however, as in the case of Quiet
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,from Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,developers build convoluted and absurd tales
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,about a character’s past into the game
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in an attempt to justify their blatant sexualization.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“She, uh, refuses to wear clothes.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The last staff member who tried to dress her -
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,breathing through tubes.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Other than that, she’s completely cooperative.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She understands English, she never speaks, sweats, or breathes.” \N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“What?”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Well, not with lungs at least.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,She breathes through her skin.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Clothing would suffocate her.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Showers are okay, but she can’t be submerged.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“What’s wrong with her?”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“She’s drinking. Through her skin.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So you see, she can’t wear clothing
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because she breathes through her skin!
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These ludicrous narrative justifications don’t “make it okay.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Regardless of whatever absurd explanation
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a game might provide,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it should go without saying that
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the only real functionality of outfits like this is to
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,titillate the presumed young straight male player base.\N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Out of all the arguments that are tossed out
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to defend the impractical and objectifying
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,clothing that women are made to wear in games,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,there is one in particular that I hear the most often
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and that is perhaps the most pernicious.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That argument is:
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Maybe that’s what she wants to wear!”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Which is ridiculous.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These women are fictional constructs.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That means that they don’t dress themselves
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or pick out their own clothing.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I can’t believe I have to say this.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,All these visual designs are deliberate choices
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,made by the developers,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and they serve a specific purpose:
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they communicate to straight male players
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that these characters exist primarily as sex objects
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to be consumed.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In doing so, they also reinforce the larger notion
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in our culture that the value of real human women
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is determined largely by their sexual desirability to men.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It’s not hard to imagine
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,what more practical clothing options
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,might look like for some of these characters.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But if you’re having a hard time envisioning that,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I will let you in on a little secret:
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For those of you who aren’t familiar,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,there is this thing called a sports bra.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Sports bras are designed to keep breasts held in place
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to better facilitate athletic activities.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In other words, they are used
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to prevent “jiggle physics” in real life.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In the real world, there are many female
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,martial artists, athletes, and women in combat roles
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that developers could use as inspiration
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when designing and dressing their female characters.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It’s important to note that the amount of skin shown
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is not the crux of the problem.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Many female athletes wear minimal form-fitting clothing
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because it’s more conducive to their activities.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,However, their outfits are not designed
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,with the primary goal of sexualizing the athletes
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for the benefit of spectators.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The problem of female characters wearing impractical,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,sexualized and objectifying attire and being
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,put on display for players is not a difficult one to solve,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and developers already know how to do it.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Even many fighting games that have
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,several sexualized female characters on the roster
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,often have one female option who is in more practical attire.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The Dark Souls games are generally pretty good
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,about not making armor appear significantly different
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,on female characters than it does on male characters.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Natural Selection 2 and XCOM also have
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,examples of women in practical armor.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And Assassin’s Creed Syndicate put female
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,gang members in outfits very similar
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to those worn by the male gang members.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,None of this is to say that characters in games
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,should never be sexual; far from it.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Sexuality and sexualization are very different things. \N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The sexualization of female characters is about
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,designing them, dressing them or framing them
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in ways that are specifically intended to be
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,sexually appealing to presumed male viewers or players.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Women’s sexuality, on the other hand,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,exists for themselves, and for those
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they care to consensually share it with.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And sexuality can be expressed or experienced
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in any kind of attire.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Come here lover boy!”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Unfortunately, examples in games of female characters
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,expressing sexual desire in ways that aren’t sexualized
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,are exceedingly rare.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These next few examples aren’t great depictions
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of what we’re talking about.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They’re just some of the only examples that exist at all,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,which serves to illustrate how rare it is
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for female sexuality in games to be presented in ways
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that are humanizing rather than sexualizing.\N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The Last of Us: Left Behind features female characters
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who express romantic feelings for each other,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,rather than exuding a sexualized energy
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that is directed outward at the player.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“What do we do now?
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“We’ll figure it out.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And in Firewatch, though it’s only heard and not seen
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Delilah expresses sexual desire for the player character, Henry. \N\N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“I wish I was over there.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“I wish you were too.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“We could sit outside, we could talk,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,without these radios. We could, um, you know.”
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,These moments aren’t presented
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as titillating morsels of sexuality for players.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Rather, they function as expressions
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of the characters’ sexuality that deepen our investment
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in the characters and their relationships to each other. \N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,To clarify, the act of sex isn’t the problem,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but rather how its presented.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I’d love to see great representations
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,of healthy, consensual sex in games.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But sadly, when consensual sex does occur,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it’s often presented as a transaction
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or as a reward for player accomplishment.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Whether that accomplishment is completing quests
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or just choosing all the right dialogue options
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to get the sex cutscene to play.\N
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When fictional female characters in games are dressed
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in impractical armor or clothing,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it encourages players to view them as sex objects,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and reinforces the already pervasive and harmful notion
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in our culture that sexualization is the most viable
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or only real route to power for women.
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,By contrast, when those characters are dressed
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in clothing that is truly practical and functional
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for the work that they are doing,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and when they express sexuality and sexual desire
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in ways that aren’t served up as sexualized treats
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,designed primarily for straight male players
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to consume and enjoy,
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it encourages players of all genders
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,not to view those characters as sexual objects
Dialogue: 0,9:59:59.99,9:59:59.99,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but to be invested in them as people.